Tackling Regional Adversity through Integrated Care (TRAIC)

The Queensland Government Tackling Regional Adversity through Integrated Care (TRAIC) Program supports Queensland communities impacted by drought, disasters and community crisis. Parts of Queensland have been in drought for 6 or 7 years.

TRAIC is set up to better integrate clinical care and community support, and provide a more comprehensive approach to tackling mental health issues in rural communities. Senior clinicians deliver the program in communities in 9 Hospital and Health Services in Queensland:

  • Cairns and Hinterland
  • Townsville
  • Mackay
  • North West
  • Central West
  • Central Queensland
  • Wide Bay
  • Darling Downs
  • South West.

The key role of the clinicians, referred to as Regional Adversity Integrated Care Clinicians, is to connect people to the most appropriate care, increase mental health awareness, educate rural stakeholders, and build community resilience to cope with the impact of drought and disasters.

Key priorities

TRAIC is coordinated by the Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drugs Branch. The key priorities include:

  • Connecting people to the right care at the right time and the right place to ensure that people who have been impacted by drought, natural disasters and other crisis receive the most appropriate care to support a full recovery.
  • Connect people to information and programs to increase mental health awareness, overcome stigma and encourage help-seeking behaviour.
  • Frontline workers are trained to recognise the early signs of distress and refer clients to the care that they need. Mental health clinicians work with front line workers in the agricultural sector and community sector, first responders and emergency services workers to coordinate referrals following an adverse event.
  • Prepare communities to deal with drought, natural disasters, and community crisis. Mental health clinicians inform and train communities to mitigate the impact of disasters on vulnerable populations and respond to and effectively cope with their consequences.

TRAIC Grants Program

The $600,000 TRAIC grants program is in its fourth year. It encourages community-based groups to develop and promote mental health support in regions affected by droughts, disasters and other crises. A co-design approach allows local stakeholders to have a say about projects that would work best in their community. The grants program encourages greater community collaboration, resilience building activities and increasing mental health awareness.

Email traic@health.qld.gov.au for more information about the program or visit the Rural and remote drought and disaster community grant webpage.

Last updated: 22 January 2020